Those who want more currently have it available for a number of rifles, as High-Power Champion David Tubb (and others) have released titanium firing pins with half the weight of factory pins, and Wolff spring kit sets to match. A heavier spring can work wonders, as in the case of my Ruger. This Speedlock feature was carried over to the Winchester Model 70. The Speedlock reduced that to about a 1/4 inch of firing pin travel, and the spring was replaced with a stronger, 23 pound spring. The older 54 had a locktime similar to the Mauser, with a 1/2 inch firing pin travel and weak spring. Back in 1932, Winchester released their "Speedlock" feature on their Model 54. The old Mauser 98 military action has been criticized for having a slow locktime, actually a service rifle design choice. When I shoot guns like these, it could not be more obvious to me that the manufacturer either knows nothing about hunting and shooting or, worse, they just don't care. Those who can hit anything in the field with those guns as supplied have my admiration, or at least my condolences you are likely a far better shot than you think you are. Like air conditioning and power steering, once you have a quality trigger and fast locktime, it is really hard to go back. Two of the most horrific examples of ungodly triggers in recent memory are those found on the CVA Optima and the Traditions Pursuit. We seem content enough when our muzzleloaders just go bang. It could not be more obvious that a good trigger is a requisite to good practical accuracy, yet most of us pay scant attention to triggers and locktime. We fight groups and sabots, but sometimes overlook the obvious when it comes to being able to place a bullet. Muzzleloading is, in general, still in the Dark Ages when it comes to triggers and locktime. Same way with my clays guns, a touch of magic by Allen Timney of Ceritos, California, and it is more birds with a lot less work. Other handguns I've owned have been worked over by pistolsmith Jack Weigand, with similar results. What was a 3" 100 yard gun now groups inside 1-1/2" thanks to that spring kit. Though no hammer gun has excellent locktime, a Wolff spring kit made all the difference in the world. From the factory, the trigger was something I had to consciously fight. One of the most accurate hunting handguns I've ever owned is my Ruger SuperRedhawk. Actual locktime and good triggers remain largely overlooked, however, as far as muzzleloaders are concerned. The move to inline muzzleloaders has cut effective locktime down considerably. That is the "effective" locktime I'm referring to. To me, shooting a flinter is just like handling an air rifle on steroids, the approach is the same. It hasn't moved yet, and the same "over-hold" approach will allow you to shoot far, far better. It is easy to become distracted with initial pan flash, and think that somehow your ball is on its way to its mark. Only after learning to hold on target, actually over-hold on target beyond what is instinctive, did spring air rifle shooting become easy, ignoring the powerplant vibration as you do so. Though the R-9 has what I feel is a good trigger, firing the trigger only starts the process of getting a pellet out the muzzle. It is easy, at least now, to hit with that Beeman, as the FTS pellets went though the eye sockets of both bunnies. This morning, I shot two pesky neighborhood rabbits ( thousands remain) that enjoy eating my stuff with a Beeman 5mm R-9 air rifle at 35 and 37 yards respectively. The reason, I believe, is both locktime and effective locktime. Yet, some guns are clearly finding their targets better than others, but seem no more accurate. Our interest in sighting systems and optics is obvious our attention to triggers less prominent. Those familiar with the writings of Ross Seyfried will recognize the statement that, to the shooter, a firearm has only two active parts: the sights and the trigger. Some guns are far, far easier to hit with than others, and the trigger and lockwork arrangement is often the reason. This is seldom mentioned in the discussion of today's muzzleloading firearms, but it really should be. "Lock-time" is defined as the "time interval between sear release and the firing-pin striking the primer".
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